Frequently Asked Questions (Test Takers)

Which IELTS test do I need if I am applying for a UK visa application?

If you are applying for a UK visa, there is an IELTS test for you.

For visa applications to the UK, you may need to have an English language qualification. IELTS and IELTS Life Skills are included on both the UK Home OfficeТs list of Secure English Language Tests (referred to as SELT tests by UK Home Office) and the OFQUAL register.

It is recommended you check all visa requirement information directly with the UK government website.

What do I need to do if I am applying to study at a British university or college?

Those who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless your institution has required you to. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students for more information.

Can I use any IELTS test result for UK visa application?

If you wish to use an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test result as part of your application for UK visa purposes (apart from some types of student visa), you may need to take the test at an IELTS test centre which is specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration for this purpose, and the test must be taken under conditions specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You will receive an IELTS Ц or IELTS Life Skills Ц Test Report Form which shows that you have taken your test to meet the UKVI requirements.

How often is an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test available?

For IELTS and IELTS Life Skills, test dates will be available within 28 days of booking your test. The frequency of IELTS and IELTS Life Skills testing for UK visa and immigration purposes varies by location.

How often can I re-take IELTS or IELTS Life Skills?

There are no restrictions on retaking IELTS. You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so.

If you pass IELTS Life Skills, you cannot retake it for a period of two years. If you do not pass it, there are no restrictions on retaking the test.

How is my IELTS test different if I take it for UK visa purposes?

The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified by UK Visas and Immigration. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session. The actual test taken is the same Ц same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

If I take an IELTS test for UK visa purposes, can I use my result in other countries / for other purposes?

Yes. IELTS test results are accepted by more than 9,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments and employers.

IТve already taken IELTS. Can I still use my result to apply to UK Visas and Immigration?

If you take IELTS on or before 5 April 2015 you may be able to use it for your application up to 5 November 2015. We advise you to confirm this with UKVI before making your application.

From 6 April 2015 you must take the test at an IELTS test centre authorised by UKVI to run IELTS tests for UK visa and immigration purposes and you must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test for UK Visas and Immigration.